The United Kingdom has confirmed an outbreak of Koi herpesvirus disease at a fish-growing facility in Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, triggering movement restrictions and enhanced monitoring to prevent the virus from spreading to other fish facilities and waterways.
The outbreak was confirmed by the UK Fish Health Inspectorate on September 10 at a facility located at Tree Farm, Aspley Guise, according to a statement issued by the UK Government on Monday.
Koi herpesvirus, commonly known as KHV, is a serious viral disease affecting common carp and ornamental carp species. The infection can cause significant fish deaths, particularly when water temperatures are between 16 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Infected fish may develop symptoms including white or brown patches on their gills, roughened skin, excessive mucus loss and sunken eyes.
However, authorities stressed that Koi herpesvirus does not pose a threat to public health.
Following confirmation of the outbreak, authorities imposed movement controls on aquatic animals within the affected area in an effort to contain the disease.
Under the restrictions, live aquatic animals, including fish eggs and reproductive materials, must not be moved into, out of, or within the designated area without written authorisation from the Fish Health Inspectorate.
Operators have also been instructed to dispose of dead fish and other aquatic animals through approved methods that comply with environmental health requirements.
Affected facilities have been placed under a formal monitoring programme, with officials expected to visit the sites to check for further evidence of infection and ensure compliance with the restrictions.
Fish owners and operators have been directed to immediately report any additional deaths or suspected transmission of the virus to other waters or facilities within the affected area.
They must also obtain approval from the Fish Health Inspectorate before making physical alterations to their facilities.
Such alterations include changing site boundaries, modifying the number or size of water bodies, or changing the way a facility is used. Applications for approval must be submitted at least five working days before the proposed changes.
Long-standing UK Controls
The UK Government said statutory controls for managing KHV outbreaks have been in place since 2007, alongside a surveillance programme designed to monitor the disease.
When an outbreak is confirmed, control measures can include restricting the movement of susceptible fish, strengthening biosecurity measures, removing infected fish, and cleaning and disinfecting affected facilities.
Koi herpesvirus disease is listed under the Aquatic Animal Health (England and Wales) Regulations 2009.
Authorities have urged fish owners and operators to maintain strong biosecurity measures and take appropriate steps to prevent the introduction and further spread of the virus.
While the outbreak poses no known risk to human health, officials are taking measures to limit its potential impact on carp populations and prevent further spread through the movement of infected fish and aquatic materials.